Operation unit for an image forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

A readable operation unit for an image forming apparatus displays items representative of various functions relating to image formation while classifying and dividing them on a switchable screen. The operator can therefore easily understand the contents of operation in relation to the other functions despite that the functions are arranged in a hierarchical construction. Further the operator can grasp the kind of image data and how the image data are processed and output as a single flow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a copier, printer facsimileapparatus or similar image forming apparatus and more particularly to anoperation unit including a readable screen for displaying variousfunctions available with an image forming apparatus.

[0002] It is a common practice to arrange on, e.g., anelectrophotographic machine an input device for allowing the operator toinput various copying conditions as well as other conditions. The inputdevice includes a print start key for starting a copying operation, astop key for stopping it, numeral keys for inputting, e.g., a desirednumber of copies, and a magnification set key for setting a desiredmagnification.

[0003] Recent diffusion of microcomputers and extension of functionsavailable therewith have implemented various kinds of copiers capable ofexecuting various kinds of control with microcomputers. Amicrocomputer-controlled copier is capable of easily controlling asophisticated copying process with a control program. Further, variousfunctions including a function of displaying simple faults, e.g., theabsence of papers and paper jams and a function of displaying th numberof copies utput have be n added to the copier, making the most of themerits of a microcomputer. An advanced copier is capable of producingduplex copies each carrying images on both sides thereof, capable ofsorting copies one by one, or capable of interrupting a copyingoperation under way, executing another copying operation, and resumingthe previous copying operation after the completion of the interruptcopying operation. This kind of copier not only promotes convenient use,but also enhances efficiency.

[0004] Different keys are assigned to the above various functions whiledifferent information relating to the functions are displayed on ascreen. The number of keys to be operated and the number of informationto be displayed naturally increase with an increase in the number offunctions available with the apparatus. It is, however, difficult toarrange all of the keys and screen in a limited flat area available onthe top of the casing of the apparatus. Should the keys and screen bereduced in size in order to be accommodated in the limited area, theywould be difficult to operate. Moreover, a number of keys arranged onthe limited area would make the operation appear troublesome to perform.This is particularly true with a dual machine having a combined copierand facsimile function or a combined copier and printer function, and amultiplex machine having a combined, copier facsimile and printerfunction.

[0005] In light of the above, there has recently been put to practicaluse an image forming apparatus including mechanical keys implementingonly a start key, numeral keys and oth r basic keys and a touch panelimplementing set keys and op ration k ys relating t various functions.The touch panel uses liquid crystal and selectively displays differentkey portions. Specifically, the apparatus displays information on abranched function step basis in order to make the screen readable, i.e.,arranges function keys in a hierarchical fashion. In addition, icons andpop-up pictures as well as devised screen layout are used for reducingtroublesome manipulation.

[0006] However, the problem with the touch panel scheme is that when theoperator performing a sequence of setting steps desires to change anycondition already set, the operator must sequentially switch the screenuntil a function step including the desired condition appears, and thenchange the condition. This operation is extremely troublesome toperform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide areadable operation unit for an image forming apparatus capable ofpromoting, while arranging functions, hierarchically, the easyunderstanding of the contents of operation in relation to the otherconditions and thereby enhancing the operator's total recognition of theset contents.

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, in an operation unitfor an image forming apparatus for executing at least a part of variousfunctions relating to image formati n hierarchically by switching ascreen, items representative of the various functi ns are display d onthe screen while being classified and divided from each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription taken with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a control systemincluded in an image forming apparatus to which an operation unitembodying the present invention is applied;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a specific configuration of theoperation unit;

[0012]FIG. 3 shows a specific initial picture to appear on a screen ortouch panel in a copy mode;

[0013]FIG. 4 shows a specific picture to appear on the screen forregistering or calling a program;

[0014]FIG. 5 shows another specific initial picture;

[0015]FIG. 6 shows a specific condition in which functions are set;

[0016]FIG. 7 shows a specific picture to appear during copying;

[0017]FIG. 8 shows a specific pop-up picture showing the kinds ofdocuments in detail;

[0018]FIG. 9 is identical with FIG. 8 except that “Photo” ishighlighted;

[0019]FIG. 10 shows the kinds of documents arranged in the basicpicture;

[0020]FIG. 11 shows a conditi n wherein slightly high image density isselected;

[0021]FIG. 12 shows a specific pop-up picture displaying details ofspecial document feed;

[0022]FIG. 13 shows a specific picture to appear at the time of manualpaper feed;

[0023]FIG. 14 shows a specific picture for selecting paper-prioritymagnification change after the selection of an integrated copyingfunction;

[0024]FIG. 15 shows a specific picture for selecting an editingfunction;

[0025]FIG. 16 shows a specific picture for erasing a frame;

[0026]FIG. 17 shows a specific picture for selecting a cover/slip sheetfunction;

[0027]FIG. 18 shows a specific picture for selecting aduplex/integration/division function;

[0028] FIGS. 19-22 show specific pictures relating to theduplex/integration/division function;

[0029]FIG. 23 shows a specific initial picture to appear on the screenwhen a stored file printing function is selected;

[0030]FIG. 24 shows a specific picture for reading documents to bestored; and

[0031]FIG. 25 shows a specific picture for setting conditions after theselection of a stored file.

[0032] While FIGS. 3-25 show various informati n in Japanese, thinformation may, f course, be shown in any other language.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a control system included inan image forming apparatus is shown and includes an operation anddisplay section 8. The operation and display section 8 is representativeof an operation unit embodying the present invention. As shown, amicroprocessor 1 is connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM(Random Access Memory) 4, a nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) 5, and I/O(Input/Output) port 6 and a serial CCU (Communication Control Unit) 7 byan address, data and control bus 2. The microprocessor 1 executes aprogram assigned to the image forming apparatus. The I/O port 6 isconnected to motors, solenoids and other output loads and sensorsarranged in the image forming apparatus. The serial CCU 7 interchangessignals with the operation and display section 8.

[0034]FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration of the operation and displaysection 8. As shown, a touch panel type screen 80 is positioned atsubstantially the center of the section 8 for displaying the statuses ofthe apparatus and messages. The screen 80 is implemented by a touchpanel and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Circuitry for detecting touchpanel keys and a coordinates detecting method are conventional and willnot be described specifically. Numeral keys and an enter key (#) 81 arearranged at the right-hand side of the screen 80. A start key 82 ispositioned at the right-hand side of the numeral keys 81 and implementedas a disk greater in diameter than the numeral key 81. A clear/stop key83 is interposed between the numeral keys and nter k y 81 and the startkey 82 for canceling a numerical value input or interrupting or ending acopying operation. Arranged above the numeral keys and enter key 81 area program key 84, a reset/preheat key 85, and an interrupt key 88. Atrial copy key 87 is positioned beneath the interrupt key 86. When aplurality of copies are desired, a trial or first copy may be producedin order to determine the quality of the image. A set/counter key 88 islocated at the top left of the screen 80 for varying initial set valuesand operating conditions in accordance with the conditions of use. Acopy function key 90, a copy server function key 91 and a printerfunction key 92 are positioned at the left-hand side of the screen 80and beneath the set/counter key 88. With these keys 90-92, the apparatusis capable of selectively functioning as a copier, a copy server or aprinter, as desired. The mechanical configuration and operation of theapparatus including such an operation and display section areconventional and will not be shown or described specifically. While theoperation and display section 8 is applied to a multiplex machine, it issimilarly applicable to a copier, facsimile apparatus, printer orsimilar singular image forming apparatus.

[0035]FIG. 3 shows a specific basic or initial picture to appear on thescreen 80, FIG. 2, when the apparatus is operated in a copier mode. Asshown, the basic picture includes a first area 80 a allowing theoperator to input a kind of documents, desired copy density, and specialdocument feed. A second area or message area 80 b displays operati nstatuses and messages including “Ready to c py,” shown in FIG. 3. Athird area 80 c displays the remaining capacity of a memory inpercentage or displays a connection copy key when a connection unit isset, as illustrated. A fourth area 80 d displays the number of documentswritten to the memory, the number of documents (sets of documents) set,and the number copies (sets of copies) produced. A fifth area 80 callows the operator to select a sort mode, a stack mode, a staple modeor a punch mode, as desired. A sixth area 80 f displays the contents ofregistered functions that are often used. To register desired functions,the operator presses the program key 84, FIG. 2, in order to call apicture shown in FIG. 4. The picture shown in FIG. 4 allows the operatorto register up to ten different functions. A seventh area 80 g displaysfunction items (tabs). When the operator touches, e.g., a “MagnificationChange” key belonging to a group of function items, a magnificationchange picture appears from below. If desired, “Manual Feed” that isanother function item may appear when a manual food tray, not shown, isopened.

[0036] From the copier operation standpoint, the screen 80 may bedivided into a first display section (first area 80 a) relating thehandling of documents, a second display section relating to theconfiguration of copies including paper size and magnification change,and a third display section (fifth area 80 e). Of course, such displaysections may overlap each other, if desired.

[0037]FIG. 5 shows a second basic picture that is a simplified versionof the basic picture of FIG. 3 and available for a user desiring limit ddisplay. As shown, wh n the operator gives pri rity to an automaticpaper selecting function at the time of initial setting, an “Auto PaperSelection” key appears, but the kinds of paper trays do not appear. Whenthe operator does not touch the magnification change key In the basicpicture, only a “x1”key and a “Paper-Priority Magnification Change” keyappear. Further, if the operator does not touch any registered functionkey, no registered function keys appear. In the specific condition shownin FIG. 5, “Available Memory Capacity” appears in place of theconnection copy key because no connection units are set. Even suchlimited display shows the operator reading conditions, copyingconditions and whether or not a finisher is present while classing theminto discrete sections in a readable way. The operator can thereforetouch any one of such sections while recognizing the conditions of theother sections.

[0038]FIG. 6 shows a specific picture to appear when the operatorselects, e.g., reduction “A3→A4/B4→B5”, duplex spread copying withsimplex documents, sorting, and stapling papers at the top left cornerin the basic picture shown in FIG. 3. A “Confirm” key may be caused toappear for the first time in the picture shown in FIG. 5. When the startkey 82, FIG. 2, is pressed, a picture shown in FIG. 7 appears. As shown,a message “Copying” is shown in the second area 80 b while the contentsof magnification change is shown over the sixth area 80 f and seventharea 80 g. In FIG. 7, a “Reserve” key allows the operator to set thecontents of the next copying operation while the current copyingoperation is und r way. Specifically, wh n the operator touches the“Reserve” key, sets the contents of a reserve copying operation, setsdocuments on an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), not shown, and pressesthe start key, the reserve copying operation begins automatically on thecompletion of the current copying operation.

[0039] Assume that the operator touches a “Kind of Document” key in thepicture shown in FIG. 3 in order to input the kind of documents. Then, apicture shown in FIG. 8 appears, i.e., only the contents of the firstarea 80 a changes. In FIG. 8, a “Text” key is assigned to documentsmainly consisting of characters. A “Text/Photo” key is assigned todocuments consisting of photos and characters. A “Photo” key is assignedto photos or graphics. A “Light Document” key is assigned to low densitydocuments including documents written in pencil and counterfoils; thinlines apt to appear discontinuous can be faithfully copied. A “Copy” keyis assigned to the copies of documents; the thickening and defacing ofcharacters can be reduced. For example, when the operator touches the“Photo” key in the picture of FIG. 8, a picture shown in FIG. 9 appears.When the operator touches an “OK” key in the picture of FIG. 9, thebasic picture of FIG. 3 again appears. If the operator does not select“Simplified Display of Kind of Documents” at the time of initialsetting, then the kinds of documents are shown in the basic picture, asshown in FIG. 10.

[0040] As for the density of copies, there are available “Auto Density”f r automatically setting adequate imag d nsity, “Density Control” forallowing the operator to adjust image density in multiple steps, and“Combined Density Control” for allowing the operator to control only thedensity of an Image printed in a dark background. For “Combined DensityControl”, in the basic picture of FIG. 3 in which “Auto Density” ishighlighted, the operator touches either a “Light” key or a “Dark” key.FIG. 11 shows a picture in which slightly high density is selected inthe combined density control condition. In this case, too, only alimited portion of the first area 80 a changes and allows the operatorto select reading conditions while recognizing the other copyingconditions.

[0041] As for the ADF, the number of documents that can be stacked islimited, and documents are automatically fed, assuming a standardthickness. To cope with these limitations, the operator may touch the“Special Document Feed” key. As a result, a picture shown in FIG. 12appears. When the number of documents to be stacked on the ADF isgreater than the preselected number of documents, the operator touches a“Mass Document” key in the picture of FIG. 12. Then, the ADFautomatically feeds the documents without forcing the operator to pressthe start key every time the operator stacks the documents on the ADF.When the operator touches a “Mixed Sizes” key, the ADF feeds a stack ofdocuments of different sizes.

[0042] Assume that the operator desires to copy any one of documentsthat cannot be stacked on a feed tray, not shown, postcards or similarrelatively thick papers, and OHP (Over Head Projector) films. Then, theoperator opens the manual feed tray, t uches the “Manual Feed” key, andpresses the enter key 81, FIG. 2. As a result, a picture shown in FIG.13 appears. When use is made of OHP films or thick papers of regularsize, the operator touches an “OHP” key or a “Thick Paper” key. When theoperator intending to use papers of irregular size touches an “IrregularSize” key, a picture, not shown, allowing the operator to input avertical size and a horizontal size appears. The operator watching sucha picture inputs the vertical and horizontal sizes of the papers on thenumeral keys, presses the enter key, and then presses an “OK” key. As aresult, the basic picture of FIG. 3 again appears except that the“Irregular Size” key is highlighted in placed of the “Auto PaperSelection” key.

[0043] Various kinds of enlargement and reduction are available as amagnification changing function. For example, it is possible toautomatically enlarge or reduce the size of images in accordance withthe size of papers selected. For this purpose, the operator touches the“Paper-Priority Magnification Change” key in the sixth area 80 f, FIG.3, and then selects papers. When the operator touches a “Slightly Small”key, there is set 93% reduction using the center as a reference. Whenthe operator touches the “Magnification Change” key, a picture shown inFIG. 14 and showing “−”, “+”, “Numeral Key Zoom”, “Reduce”, “Enlarge”and “Applied Magnification Change” appears.

[0044] Specifically, the picture of FIG. 14 allows the operator to setpaper-priority magnification change after setting integrated copyingwhich will be described later. The “Reduce” key or the “Enlarge” keyallows the operator t select a regular magnification or fixedmagnification (35%, 50%, 61%, 71%, 82%, 87%, 115%, 122%, 141%, 200% and400%). The “Numeral Key Zoom” allows the operator to reduce or enlargean image between 32% and 400% on a 1% basis. Alternatively, the operatormay touch the “Reduce” key or the “Enlarge” key and then adjust themagnification by using the “−” key or the “+” key. The appliedmagnification changing function includes “Dimension-PriorityMagnification Change”, “Independent Magnification Change %”, and“Independent Magnification Change mm”. The “Dimension-PriorityMagnification Change” refers to enlargement or reduction effected byspecifying the length of one side of a document and the length of oneside of a copy corresponding to each other; a magnification isautomatically calculated on the basis of the two lengths. The“Independent Magnification Change %” and “Independent MagnificationChange mm” each copies a document in a particular magnification in eachof the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0045] The copying conditions include “Edit”, “Cover/Slip Sheet” and“Duplex/Integration/Division” in addition to “Magnification Change” asfollows. When the operator touches an “Edit” key, an “Edit” pictureshown in FIG. 15 appears. As shown, the “Edit” picture includes a“Double Copy” key for producing two copies of a single document at thetop and bottom or at the right and left of a single paper. A “Repeat”key allows a plurality of copies of a single document to be produced ona single paper in accordance with the paper size and the magnificationselected. A “Margin” key allows the p rator t define a margin at theleft or the right of a paper by touching “←”, “→”, “↓” and “↑”. A“Center Erase” key is used to erase a shadow appearing at the center ofa copy when a book or similar bound document is copied A “Frame Erase”key is used to erase shadows appearing around a copy derived from a bookor similar bound document. With the “Center Erase” or “Frame Erase” key,it is possible to set a desired width for erasure. Particularly, asshown in FIG. 18, the “Frame Erase” key allows the same width or aparticular width to be got in each of the vertical and horizontaldirections, as desired. A “Centering” key automatically shifts the imageof a document to the center of a paper.

[0046] The “Cover/Slip Sheet” key allows documents to be copied on coverpapers or allows a slip sheets to be inserted between the chapters ofdocuments. Specifically, there are available a “Front Cover” key forcopying the first document page on a paper assigned to a front cover, a“Both Covers” key for copying the first and last document pages on twocover papers, respectively, a “Chapter Division” key for inserting slipsheets between the chapters of documents, and a “Slip Sheet” key forinserting slip sheets between the pages of documents. FIG. 17 shows apicture to appear when the operator touches the “Cover/Slip Sheet” key.It is to be noted that when “Simplex→Duplex” copy is selected, “ChapterDivision” allows designated documents to be copied on the front sides ofpapers like the first document page without ex eption.

[0047] By suitably combining the setting of the side f do uments and thesetting of the sides of copies, it is possible to effect duplex copying,integrated copying, and division copying, as desired. Specifically, whenthe “Duplex/Integration/Division” key is pressed, a picture shown inFIG. 18 appears. In a duplex copy mode, simplex documents may be copiedon both sides of papers, or duplex documents may be copied on both sidesof papers. If desired, a plurality of documents may be copied on asingle paper. Specifically, FIG. 19 shows a picture to appear when amode for copying each two pages of a document on one side of a paper isselected. FIG. 20 shows a specif c picture in which a mode for copyingeach four pages of a document on both sides of a paper is selected.Further, FIG. 21 shows a picture for allowing the operator to select“Right/Left Spread” and “Top/Bottom Spread” for each of document andcopies.

[0048] Division copying includes “Spread→Simplex” for copying the rightand left pages of a spread document on one side of two papers, and“Duplex→Simplex” for copying both sides of a duplex document on one sideof two papers. To select “Spread→Simplex”, the operator touches a“Division/Book” key in the picture of FIG. 18. As a result, a pictureshown in FIG. 22 appears. The operator touches an “OK” key in thepicture of FIG. 22. To select “Duplex→Simplex”, the operator presses a“Duplex” key of FIG. 18 assigned to documents, a “Simplex” key assignedto copies, and an “OK” key. A plurality of documents may be copied inorder of page in the form of a book. This kind of copying includes“Right/Left Page Duplex” for c pying a spread book n both sides of apaper, “Front/Rear Page Duplex” f r copying a spread document on bothsides of a paper in the same configuration as the document, “Mini Book”for copying four simplex documents in order of page, and “Magazine” forcopying a plurality of documents in order of page (when folded andstacked). FIG. 22 shows a specific condition in which “Page Duplex CopyPriority” and “Right/Left Page Duplex” are selected. To select“Front/Rear Page Duplex”, the initia setting is changed. If desired,“Right/Left” Page Duplex” and “Front/Rear Page Duplex” may be displayedtogether.

[0049]FIG. 23 shows a picture to appear when the operator intending tostore image data read in the apparatus in the form of a file and printthem out presses the copy server key 91, FIG. 2. When the operatortouches a “Document Read” key appearing in the first area 80 a in FIG.23, a picture shown in FIG. 24 appears. In FIG. 24, the first area 80 aand sixth area 80 f are identical with the corresponding areas of thebasic picture assigned to copying. The operator sets reading conditionsin the picture of in the above areas 80 a and 80 f and then causes theapparatus to read documents. Various functions available for readingdocuments are identical with the functions described in relation tocopying and will not be described specifically in order to avoidredundancy. To print the stored file, the operator calls the pictureshown in FIG. 23. Because a stored file is present, a “Print Condition”key in the fifth area 80 in highlighted. When the operator touches the“Print Condition” key, a picture shown in FIG. 25 appears Then, thperator s l cts a document and s ts desired printing conditions an inthe copy mode operation.

[0050] In summary, it will be seen that the present invention provides areadable operation unit for an image forming apparatus displaying itemsrepresentative of various functions relating to image formation whileclassifying and dividing them on a switchable screen. The operator cantherefore easily understand the contents of operation in relation to theother functions despite that the function are arranged in a hierarchicalconstruction. Further, the operator can grasp the kind of image data andhow the image data are processed and output as a single flow.

[0051] Various modifications will become possible for those skilled inthe art after receiving the teachings of the present disclosure withoutdeparting from the scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An operation and display section of an operationunit for an image forming apparatus, the operation and display sectionhaving a touch screen panel on the operation unit, wherein the touchscreen panel is further divided into three subsections, said subsectionscomprising: means for controlling input processing of a document; meansfor controlling copy processing of the document; and means forcontrolling output processing of the document, wherein each touch screenpanel subsection means includes function keys that are selected tocontrol processing in each subsection and only information displayed inone of the touch screen panel subsection means that includes selectedfunction keys changes when the selected function keys are selected,while the display of the subsections not including the selected functionkeys are maintained on the touch screen panel.
 2. The operation anddisplay section according to claim 1, wherein the means for controllinginput processing includes means for setting document reading conditions.3. The operation and display section according to claim 1, wherein themeans for controlling output processing includes means for selecting atleast one of a sort mode, a stack mode, a staple mode, and a punch mode.4. The operation and display section according to claim 1, wherein themeans for controlling input processing, the means for controlling copyprocessing, and the means for controlling output processing arehorizontally arranged side by side on the touch screen panel in inputprocessing, copy processing, and output processing order, respectively.5. The operation and display section according to claim 1, wherein themeans for controlling copy processing has a greater area than each ofthe means for controlling input processing and the means for controllingoutput processing.
 6. An image forming apparatus provided with anoperation unit having an operation and display section, the operationand display section having a touch screen panel on the operation unit,wherein the touch screen panel is further divided into threesubsections, said subsections comprising: a first touch screen panelsubsection configured to control input processing of a document; asecond touch screen panel subsection configured to control copyprocessing of the document; and a third touch screen subsectionconfigured to control output processing of the document, wherein eachtouch screen panel subsection includes function keys that are selectedto control processing in each subsection and only information displayedin one of the touch screen panel subsections that includes function keyschanges when the selected function keys are selected, while the displayof the subsections not including the selected function keys aremaintained on the touch screen panel.
 7. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein the first touch screen panel subsectionincludes input display keys configured to set document readingconditions.
 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, whereinthe third touch screen panel subsection includes output display keysconfigured to select at least one of a sort mode, a stack mode, a staplemode, and a punch mode.
 9. The image forming apparatus according toclaim 6, wherein the first, second, and third touch screen panelsubsections are horizontally arranged side by side on the touch screenpanel in first, second, and third screen panel order.
 10. The imageforming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second touch screenpanel subsection has a greater area than each of the first and thirdtouch screen panel subsections.
 11. An image forming apparatus providedwith an operation unit having an operation and display section, theoperation and display section having a touch screen panel on theoperation unit, wherein the touch screen panel is further divided intothree subsections, said subsections comprising: means for controllinginput processing of a document; means for controlling copy processing ofthe document; and means for controlling output processing of thedocument, wherein each touch screen panel subsection includes functionkeys that are selected to control processing in each subsection and onlyinformation displayed in one of the touch screen panel subsection thatincludes selected function keys changes when the selected function keysare selected, while the display of the subsections not including theselected function keys are maintained on the touch screen panel.
 12. Theimage forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the means forcontrolling input processing includes means for setting document readingconditions.
 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11,wherein the means for controlling output processing includes means forselecting at least one of a sort mode, a stack mode, a staple mode, anda punch mode.
 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11,wherein the means for controlling input processing, the means forcontrolling copy processing, and the means for controlling outputprocessing are horizontally arranged side by side on the touch screenpanel in input processing, copy processing, and output processing order,respectively.
 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11,wherein the means for controlling copy processing has a greater areathan each of the means for controlling input processing and the meansfor controlling output processing.